Junction City
cityJunction City, Kansas, located in Geary County, sits at the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers, which form the Kansas River. As of 2020, the city had a population of 22,932. The nearby Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army post, significantly influences the city's character. The economy of Junction City is diverse, with key industries including retail trade, health care, social assistance, and education. Fort Riley is a major economic driver, providing employment and supporting local businesses. The city benefits from its location along I-70 and access to rail service, making it suitable for logistics and distribution. Junction City's history is tied to its strategic location at the river junction. Founded in 1858, it initially served as a trading center for Fort Riley. The city offers a mix of historical sites and outdoor recreation opportunities, contributing to its quality of life.
Junction City, Kansas
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 20-35750
- Country
- United States
- County
- Geary County
- Region
- Northeastern Kansas
- Elevation
- 1,106 ft
- Total Area
- 12.22 sq mi
- Land Area
- 12.15 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.07 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.0275
- Longitude
- -96.84028
- Climate
- The average daily temperature in January is 27 degrees, in April it is 55 degrees, in July it is 80 degrees, and in October it is 59 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 33 inches and the average annual snowfall is 20 inches.
- Notable Features
- Smoky Hill River · Republican River · Kansas River
- Neighboring Areas
- Grandview Plaza · Fort Riley · Milford · Manhattan
- Population (2020)
- 22,932
- Est. Population (2026)
- 21,605
- Median Age
- 28.8
- Median Income
- $61,181
- Poverty Rate
- 17.46%
- Family Households
- 63%
- Owner-Occupied
- 50.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2020, the racial makeup of the city was 54.91% White, 20.25% Black or African American, 0.92% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 1.19% Pacific Islander, 5.07% from other races, and 13.85% from two or more races.
- Government Type
- Commission
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Geary County USD 475
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.8%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Foot Locker Inc · ConAgra · Geary Community Hospital
- Schools
- 15
- Students
- 7,331
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- School Districts
- Geary County USD 475
- Transportation
- Interstate I-70 · Union Pacific Railroad · Regional Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Geary Community Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Milford State Park · Geary State Fishing Lake
- Parks & Trails
- City Park · Trail System
- Founded
- 1858
- Incorporated
- 1859
- Named After
- Its position at the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers
- Historical Significance
- Developed as a key trading center due to its location near Fort Riley and the river confluence
- Key Events
- Establishment as a trading center for Fort Riley · Briefly named Millard City and Humboldt · KFKB Radio Station established in nearby Milford in 1923